Newsletter platform Ghost, an open source competitor to Substack, is now connected to the fediverse, also known as the open social web. Federated apps run on the protocol ActivityPub, which powers apps like Mastodon, Pixelfed, Threads, Flipboard, and others, allowing posts published on one app to be seen and engaged with by those on other federated platforms. Ghost said last year that it was working on an integration with ActivityPub, which would allow its publishers to share their blog posts with the broader open social web.The company expected the integrations to go live last year. However, Ghost this week announced the launch of its social web beta, which now allows any site running on its Ghost Pro subscription to try out the new ActivityPub integration.The beta feature is still in active development, the company notes in its help documentation, but is expected to ship in a more finalized state in the Ghost 6.0 release. Image Credits:GhostWhen Ghost Pro users connect their blog or newsletter to the fediverse, others across the open social web will be able to follow their accounts handle. This handle is a combination of @index, representing the home page of the publication, followed by the domain name (@yoursite.com). Ghost says users will soon be able to customize the @index part of their @index@yoursite.com handle. Users on federated apps will then be able to follow the Ghost publishers posts, as well as interact with them by liking, replying, or reposting. To help Ghost publishers also participate in the fediverse and build their readership, Ghost also launched a social web reader. Here, users can browse a feed of the short-form content shared across the fediverse, including posts from services like Mastodon and Threads. In a separate area called the Inbox, Ghost users can keep up with long-form content, like articles published on Ghost or WordPress, the popular publishing platform that integrated with the fediverse in 2023. Think of theInboxscreen like your email inbox. When you follow other publications on the social web, new articles they publish will show up here, Ghosts help page explains. Clicking on a post will open an inline reader view, right inside Ghost, and when you get to the end youll be able to like, repost or reply.With the integration of these two feeds into Ghosts admin, Ghost will also now allow its publishers to directly post short-form content to the fediverse, helping them to build their reputation and following on the open social web. Ghosts Reader also alerts users of interactions like follows, replies, likes, and reposts in its Notifications section. Plus, users can customize their Profile page to offer a preview of their social web account, following/followers, and their content, both short and long-form. Later, the company hopes to more deeply integrate users social web profiles with Ghost memberships, but for now, they operate independently from one another. Other coming features include tools to block, report, and mute people or add images or media to notes and replies.There are some compatibility issues with the Ghost Reader as well, most notably with Metas Threads. The company says that Ghost users can search for and find Threads users profiles, but no interactions work because Threads blocks them. (The issue is on Threads side and Ghost suggests that users mention Instagram head Adam Mosseri to fix it.)To try the Ghost social web beta, Pro subscribers can head to the Ghost Admin and then enable the beta under Settings and then Labs.Today, Ghost is used by several notable publications including Casey Newtons Platformer, 404 Media, David Sirotas The Lever, Tangle, Jason Calacaniss Inside, SFist, and others.

Researchers from Massachusetts Institute of Technology have developed a new way to grow artificial muscle tissue that contracts in multiple directions, mimicking the movement of natural muscles more closely than ever before.Published in Biomaterials Science, this technique introduces a microtopographical stamping method that precisely controls how muscle fibers form and align. With potential applications in biohybrid robotics, regenerative medicine, and muscle disease research, the findings could help bridge the gap between engineered and biological tissue.At the center of the research is Simple Templating of Actuators via Micro-topographical Patterning (STAMP), a fabrication process designed to shape muscle growth with microscopic precision.Instead of relying on traditional, complex fabrication methods, the team turned to a surprisingly simple approach, using a 3D printed stamp to create structured grooves in a soft hydrogel. These grooves guide muscle cells as they grow, ensuring they align into functional fibers that can contract in multiple orientations.The study was led by Ritu Raman, the Eugene Bell Career Development Professor of Tissue Engineering at MITs Department of Mechanical Engineering. Funding for the study was provided by the U.S. Office of Naval Research (ONR), the U.S. Army Research Office, the National Science Foundation (NSF), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).MIT engineers grew an artificial, muscle-powered structure that pulls both concentrically and radially, much like how the iris in the human eye acts to dilate and constrict the pupil. Image via MIT.Artificial iris shows controlled muscle contractionsTo put the method to the test, the researchers created an artificial iris, a biohybrid actuator designed to replicate the way a human eyes pupil expands and contracts.The structure featured two distinct muscle fiber arrangements: one forming concentric circles, the other radiating outward. Both worked together to produce controlled contractions in response to light stimulation, demonstrating a level of coordination rarely seen in engineered muscle tissue.Natural muscle fibers dont grow in perfect straight lines. In the body, their orientations vary, allowing for a wide range of movement. Artificial muscle designs, however, have traditionally been limited to pulling in a single direction.That limitation made it difficult to develop biohybrid actuators capable of complex, multi-axis motion. With STAMP, muscle growth can now be directed in more intricate patterns, bringing artificial tissue a step closer to functioning like its biological counterpart.Accessibility was a key factor in developing the stamping process. Using high-resolution 3D printing, the team fabricated stamps with microscopic grooves that matched the dimensions of individual muscle cells.A protein coating on the stamp ensured clean imprinting onto the hydrogel without damaging the material. Once pressed into place, the stamp created a precise blueprint for muscle fibers to follow. The result was a structured tissue network that maintained its function over extended periods.In addition, computational modeling played a crucial role in validating the technique. Simulations predicted that muscle fibers grown with the STAMP method would contract in a coordinated, multi-directional manner, a prediction that was confirmed through experimental testing.The artificial iris performed as expected, demonstrating the ability to control pupil constriction in a way that closely resembled natural function. While the study focused on skeletal muscle, the method isnt limited to one cell type. Researchers believe it could be adapted for neurons, heart muscle cells, and other tissues to create precisely structured bioengineered materials.Looking ahead, the team sees applications beyond medicine. Muscle-based actuators could provide energy-efficient alternatives to rigid mechanical components in soft robotics, particularly in environments where flexibility is crucial. The ability to create multi-degree-of-freedom (multi-DOF) movement could make biohybrid robots more adaptable and dynamic.The researchers developed a new stamping approach. First, they 3D printed a small, handheld stamp (top images) patterned with microscopic grooves, each as small as a single cell. Then they pressed the stamp into a soft hydrogel and seeded the resulting grooves with real muscle cells. The cells grew along these grooves within the hydrogel, forming fibers (bottom image). Image via MIT.3D printing advances in artificial muscleAway from MIT, Researchers at Northwestern University developed a soft, flexible actuator that allowed robots to mimic human muscle movement through expansion and contraction. Led by Professor Samuel Truby, the device was tested in a worm-like soft robot and an artificial bicep, which successfully lifted 500 grams 5,000 times without failure.Made from rubber and thermoplastic polyurethane, the actuator was low-cost and adaptable, addressing safety and flexibility challenges in robotics. Published in Advanced Intelligent Systems, the study demonstrated potential applications in human-centric environments, offering a cheaper alternative to rigid actuators traditionally used in robotic systems.Three years ago, researchers at the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT) developed a robotic hand that used SLA 3D printed artificial muscles to grip objects with human-like efficiency. This hand was powered by GeometRy-based Actuators that Contract and Elongate (GRACEs), made from a pleated resin membrane that stretched and contracted like biological muscles.An 8-gram actuator lifted 8 kilograms, demonstrating its strength and flexibility. The team connected 18 actuators to enable human-like finger and wrist movements, proving that functional artificial muscles could be 3D printed in a single step, simplifying the fabrication of soft robotic systems.What3D printing trendsshould you watch out for in 2025?How is thefuture of 3D printingshaping up?To stay up to date with the latest 3D printing news, dont forget to subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter or follow us on Twitter, or like our page on Facebook.While youre here, why not subscribe to our Youtube channel? Featuring discussion, debriefs, video shorts, and webinar replays.Featured image shows MIT engineers grew an artificial, muscle-powered structure that pulls both concentrically and radially, much like how the iris in the human eye acts to dilate and constrict the pupil. Image via MIT.Ada ShaikhnagWith a background in journalism, Ada has a keen interest in frontier technology and its application in the wider world. Ada reports on aspects of 3D printing ranging from aerospace and automotive to medical and dental.

A group of Chinese researchers have developed a novel approach for addressing erectile dysfunction (ED) using biomedical 3D printing.In what is believed to be a world first, scientists successfully tested a 3D printed penile implant system in animals, reporting full restoration of erectile function in treated subjects. Published in Nature Biomedical Engineering, their findings offer promising insights into regenerative solutions for ED, a condition that affects more than 40% of men over 40, according to South China Morning Post.The study involved hydrogel-based bioinks to create an implant that closely mimics the anatomical and functional components of natural erectile tissue. Tested on pigs and rabbits, the technology yielded exceptional results while untreated subjects had a 25% reproductive success rate, those that received the implant showed a 100% success rate in mating and reproduction.Alongside South China University of Technology (SCUT), contributions also came from Guangzhou Medical University, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, and Columbia University.Lead author Wang Yingjun, an academician at the Chinese Academy of Engineering and President of the National Engineering Research Centre for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction at SCUT, said, These findings indicate that the implants markedly improved functional recovery.The researchers used a hydrogel to 3D print a model of the corpus cavernosum a key structure in the penis that fills with blood during an erection. Next, they seeded this scaffold with endothelial cells the main cells that line blood vessels. Image via SCUT.A complex structure recreated with precisionNaturally, the penis has one of the most intricate vascular networks in the body, making reconstruction particularly challenging. Two corpus cavernosa run along its length, playing a key role in erections, while the tunica albuginea, a tough connective tissue layer, helps sustain them.To replicate these structures, researchers developed a hydrogel-based bioink, primarily composed of acrylic acid gelatin, to 3D print the corpora cavernosa. The implant was then encased in a fiber-based artificial tunica albuginea, providing the necessary strength to maintain function.For a more realistic and functional reconstruction, the team also 3D printed the corpus spongiosum, another erectile column, and the glans penis, assembling all components to mirror natural anatomy. To improve biocompatibility and reduce the risk of immune rejection, a layer of endothelial cells was added to the surface, supporting natural integration into the body.The study divided subjects into three groups: one received the 3D printed implant alone, another received both the implant and endothelial cells, while a control group with penile injuries received no treatment.The control group showed a 25% reproductive success rate, while those with 3D printed implants alone reached 75%. For the group that also received endothelial cells, the success rate climbed to 100%, indicating that the additional cell layer enhanced tissue regeneration and function.Recovery was swift. Two weeks after surgery, the animals regained normal erectile function, and within six weeks, they successfully mated and reproduced. The researchers noted that the findings suggest 3D printed hydrogel implants could restore damaged erectile tissue to near-normal function.Beyond ED treatment, the study highlights the potential of 3D printed functional tissue models for other organs with intricate circulatory networks, such as the heart and lungs. While previous research has explored these models, large-scale animal testing has been limited. The researchers emphasized that their study provides valuable insights into how 3D printed implants could translate into real-world applications, particularly in regenerative medicine.Although human trials are still a long way off, the study presents an important foundation for future research. If similar success is achieved in humans, this approach could lead to personalized, biologically compatible solutions for ED, offering an alternative to existing treatments.Local deformation to damage and flow measurement. Image via SCUT.3D printing for vascular organ reconstructionSCUTs approach aligns with broader efforts in bioprinting, where researchers are developing vascularized tissues, such as engineered blood vessels and functional heart models, to improve transplant success and advance regenerative medicine.For instance, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), The Catholic University of Korea, and City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) researchers successfully 3D printed biomimetic blood vessels and implanted them in a living rat, demonstrating a potential breakthrough in vascular grafts for cardiovascular disease treatment.Using a triple-coaxial cell printing technique and a specialized bioink made from smooth muscle and endothelial cells, the team developed functional vascular structures that integrated with living tissue over several weeks. The study suggested that these engineered blood vessels could offer a durable alternative for small-diameter vascular grafts, with future research focusing on enhancing their strength and evaluating long-term performance for human applications.In the US, researchers from the University of Minnesota developed a bio-ink that enabled them to 3D print a functional beating human heart, contributing a novel approach in cardiac tissue engineering.Leveraging pluripotent stem cells, they created an aortic replica with enhanced chamber structure and cell wall thickness, overcoming previous limitations in cardiac bioprinting. The printed heart maintained its electromechanical function for over six weeks, demonstrating potential applications in drug testing, disease modeling, and regenerative medicine.What3D printing trendsshould you watch out for in 2025?How is thefuture of 3D printingshaping up?To stay up to date with the latest 3D printing news, dont forget to subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter or follow us on Twitter, or like our page on Facebook.While youre here, why not subscribe to our Youtube channel? Featuring discussion, debriefs, video shorts, and webinar replays.Featured image shows the researchers used a hydrogel to 3D print a model of the corpus cavernosum a key structure in the penis that fills with blood during an erection. Next, they seeded this scaffold with endothelial cells the main cells that line blood vessels. Image via SCUT.

Pool in Monaco | Nick Karvounis via UnsplashA pool deck is essential to any outdoor space, providing functionality and enhancing the swimming areas aesthetic appeal. However, choosing the right pool deck material becomes crucial for those living in regions with extreme weather conditionsscorching summers, freezing winters, or high humidity. The ideal surface should be durable, slip-resistant, and comfortable underfoot, even in fluctuating temperatures. This article will explore various pool deck materials that stay cool, resist weather damage, and offer long-term performance.Key Factors to Consider for Pool Decks in Extreme ClimatesWhen selecting a pool deck surface, it is essential to evaluate how different materials respond to harsh weather. High temperatures can make certain surfaces unbearably hot while freezing conditions can cause cracking and erosion. Additionally, exposure to water and chemicals can lead to surface deterioration. For those considering resilient materials, your rubber pool deck might offer a solution that balances durability and comfort.Heat ResistanceHeat retention is one of the biggest concerns for pool decks in hot climates. Walking barefoot on a hot surface can be uncomfortable, if not painful. Some materials absorb and retain more heat than others, making it crucial to choose pool decking that doesnt get hot.Freeze-Thaw DurabilityPool decks in areas with cold winters must withstand repeated freezing and thawing cycles. Materials that absorb water and freeze can develop cracks, reducing lifespan and requiring frequent repairs.Slip ResistanceSafety is paramount around pools, especially in regions with frequent rain or snow. The right pool deck surface should provide adequate traction to prevent slipping hazards.Maintenance RequirementsSome materials require frequent sealing or refinishing to maintain their durability. A low-maintenance surface can save time and money in the long run.Comparing Pool Deck Materials for Harsh Weather ConditionsPool in Miami | Jason Briscoe via UnsplashPool in Miami | Jason Briscoe via UnsplashEach pool deck material has unique characteristics influencing its performance in extreme climates. Below, we analyze the most popular options.1. Concrete Pool DecksConcrete is a common choice for pool decks due to its affordability and durability. However, its performance in extreme weather varies.PROS:Highly durable when adequately sealed.It can be textured for slip resistance.Customizable with stamped designs and color treatments.CONS:Absorbs heat, making it uncomfortable to walk on in hot climates.Prone to cracking in freeze-thaw cycles.Requires periodic sealing to maintain its appearance.2. PaversMade from concrete, stone, or brick, Pavers offer an attractive and durable option for pool decks.PROS:Excellent drainage due to individual pieces.Resistant to cracking, as each paver moves independently.Available in light colors that reflect heat.CONS:It can become uneven over time.Weeds may grow between the joints if not properly maintained.It may retain some heat depending on the material.3. Natural StoneNatural stone, such as travertine, limestone, or sandstone, is a high-end option for pool decks.PROS:Aesthetic appeal and timeless beauty.Stays cooler than traditional concrete.Highly durable in both hot and cold climates.CONS:Expensive compared to other options.Requires sealing to prevent water absorption.Slippery when polished or wet.4. Wood DeckingWood offers a classic, natural look for pool areas but requires careful selection for extreme weather conditions.PROS:Provides a comfortable, non-slip surface.It can be stained in various colors.Doesnt retain as much heat as stone or concrete.CONS:Prone to rotting and warping in humid or wet conditions.Requires frequent sealing and maintenance.Vulnerable to insect damage.5. Composite DeckingComposite decking is made from a mix of wood fibers and plastic, offering a more weather-resistant alternative to traditional wood.PROS:Resistant to rot, warping, and insect damage.Available in multiple colors and finishes.Low maintenance compared to natural wood.CONS:It can become hot under direct sunlight.Higher upfront cost than traditional wood.Some brands may become slippery when wet.6. Rubber Pool DeckingRubber surfacing is becoming an increasingly popular option for pool decks due to its versatility and weather resistance.PROS:What is the coolest pool deck surface? Rubber is among the best options, as it doesnt retain heat like stone or concrete.Naturally slip-resistant, reducing fall risks.Absorbs impact, providing a softer surface for barefoot walking.Resists cracking and damage in freezing conditions.Easy to maintain and clean.CONS:Higher initial cost than concrete.Some color fading may occur over time with prolonged sun exposure.Which Pool Deck Surface is Best for Your Climate? Atman Studios via Unsplash Jubeo Hernandez via UnsplashThe best pool deck material depends on your specific weather conditions and maintenance preferences.For Hot Climates: Travertine, light-colored pavers, and rubber surfacing are the best choices as they stay cooler and provide comfort underfoot.For Cold Climates: Pavers and rubber surfaces work well since they resist freeze-thaw damage and cracking.For High Humidity and Rainy Areas: Rubber surfacing and textured concrete provide excellent slip resistance and durability against moisture.For Low-Maintenance Needs: Composite decking and rubber surfacing require minimal upkeep compared to natural wood or stone.Final Thoughts: Finding the Right BalanceSelecting the right pool deck surface for harsh weather conditions requires balancing durability, comfort, and maintenance. While concrete and pavers offer affordability and customization, they may need more upkeep in extreme climates. Wood and composite decking provide aesthetic appeal, but their long-term durability varies based on weather exposure.Rubber surfacing remains one of the most versatile choices for a modern, slip-resistant, and weatherproof solution. It stays cool underfoot, withstands temperature fluctuations, and provides long-lasting comfort.To explore high-quality, weather-resistant pool deck options, consider SafeStep, a trusted solution for durable outdoor surfacing. Investing in the right material ensures a safe and visually appealing pool area for years.ConstructionSwimming Pools by ArchEyes TeamLeave a comment

ICON, a pioneer in large-scale 3D printing, recently partnered with Michael Hsu Office of Architecture and Catellus to bring a dozen homes to the Mueller community in Austin. Located three miles north of downtown, Mueller is a mixed-income, mixed-use community in the heart of the Texas capital with a mission to blend urban living with green spaces and sustainability through environmental design. The 2-story residences combine construction methods, with 3D printing on the first floor and traditional construction methodologies applied to the second level, capped by a standing seam roof. The modern design blends the striated appearance of the 3D-printed material with a smooth upper facade.Mueller is urban infill redevelopment of Robert Mueller Municipal Airport, created as a joint project between the City of Austin Financial Services Department and Catellus Development. Muellers redevelopment has been managed by Arterra on behalf of Catellus Development Corporation in partnership with the City of Austin since 2024. The 700-acre site hosts a mix of housing, parks and recreational areas, shops, restaurants and amenities. The ICON homes will be some of the last newly constructed homes in the community.The ICON homes range in size from one- to three-bedrooms layouts. (Courtesy ICON)The ICON homes range from 650 to 2,400 square feet across one to three bedrooms layouts. Though the three home options differ in size, plans for each include a largely open concept living space, with bedrooms set aside for privacy. The two and three bedroom options maximize their compact footprint with an attached two-car garage that expands the upper levels. Additionally, each home is equipped with a covered patio. ICON builds using robotic technology and proprietary cementitious-based material, CarbonX. The 3D-printed wall systems of an ICON home alleviate the intensity of temperature fluctuations through higher insulation levels. The walls are also water, mold, termite, and fire-resistant. When ICON built the worlds largest community of 3D-printed homes in Georgetown, Texas, with Lennar, a construction company specializing in homes, it utilized Vulcana robotic construction system. The large, transportable printer also built a trio of U.S. Army barracks at Fort Bliss.The two- and three-bedroom homes feature floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the interior with natural light. (Courtesy ICON)Back in the Mueller community, each home option includes two packages for finishes. The design aesthetic creates a textural balance between the interiors curvilinear concrete forms and its appliances. Residents can choose which wood finish they prefer for cabinetry, among other customizable components. In addition, large windows invite in an abundance of natural light, with glazing framing garden views.The homes are located along the Southwest Greenway at Mueller, a restored Texas blackland prairie incorporating native plants in partnership with the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Located near Muellers first neighborhood along Tom Miller Street, the homes offer unobstructed and protected views of the golf course and walking trails.The 3D-printed material on the ground floor is the baseline for the interiors programmatic and aesthetic design. (Courtesy ICON)Although there is more commercial construction to be completed over the next few years, were nearing the end of newly constructed homes in Mueller, and we wanted to celebrate Muellers two decades of residential innovation with yet another advancement, said Sergio Negrete, principal and senior vice president of Arterra Development. These 3D-printed homes also help reflect the overall goals of the community, including affordability, diversity and sustainability.The project will break ground in 2025.

While the Architecture Billings Index (ABI), the monthly indicator of economic conditions put out by the AIA, was already dropping prior to the new Trump administration, the continued calls for tariffs and other changes to the labor market have left the economy and many business owners quavering and wondering whats to come. For February the ABI again reported a decline in billings, coming in with a score of 45.5 for the month (any number below 50 indicates a decline in billings). This is an ever-so-slight dip from Januarys 45.6 score, and confirmed that a majority of architecture firms are continuing to see less on the billings front. For the last month, the stock market has been up and down as President Donald Trump announces and redacts his call for tariffs on imported goods, moves that would undoubtedly affect the cost of building materials, including wood. In a statement AIA chief economist Kermit Baker held somewhat steady in his optimism, suggesting that an increase in the Consumer Price Index and easing interest rates indicate positive economic growth, albeit masked by the uncertainty of the new administrations policies.Conditions in the broader economy were generally positive in February, with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) increasing by only a modest amount, long-term interest rates easing from January levels, and healthy job growth, Baker said. However, uncertainty surrounding the impact of recently announced tariffs may lead to a rise in building material prices in the coming months while immigration policy may put even more pressure on an already undersupplied construction labor market. In a dramatic turn from previous months, in February, architecture firms nationwide reported a decrease in inquiries into new projects, indicating that new opportunities for architects may be lessening. The index for new project inquiries was 47.8, down from 51.4 in January, and now the lowest it has been since peak pandemic in 2020.In addition to reporting a national index, the AIA shares data on how individual regions are faring. Again firms in the Northeast reported the steepest decline in billings, 41.7, while firms in the West, where business conditions had been stronger, reported declines too.

All images courtesy of Resketch, shared with permissionResketch Upcycles Misprints and Unwanted Paper into Reclaimed NotebooksMarch 19, 2025DesignGrace EbertAlthough recycling paper uses less water than manufacturing the material from wood pulp, the process still requires significant energy and resources. The team behind Resketch has found a way to skip that step altogether.Founded by Chicago-based artist Shawn Smith and now helmed by Skaaren Design, the company makes notebooks and sketchpads of unused architectural diagrams, maps, logs, sheet music, and more. The resulting designs offer users the opportunity to creatively engage with the original markings and add their own additions to the printed pages. Flipping through a notebook also becomes an act of discovery as old calendars or bureaucratic forms are tucked between graphs and lines.Through partnerships with the creative community and local and national businesses, we rescue 8 to 10 tons of high-quality, unused paper every year that would otherwise prematurely enter the waste stream, Resketch says. The company currently collaborates with schools, businesses, architectural firms, and creatives across the U.S. to source materials with just enough blank space for a doodle or to-do list.Shop notebooks and pads in Resketchs store, and keep an eye on Instagram for their latest products. (via Core77)Next article

Month by month, the number of ransomware attacks rose 50% from January 2025 to February, and just under 40% of them attributable to the resurging Clop/Cl0p crew, according to NCC Groups latest monthly Threat pulse report.During the four weeks from 1 to 28 February, NCC observed 886 ransomware attacks, up from 590 in January and 403 this time last year. It said Clops slice of the pie was unusually high as a direct result of a mass naming and shaming of victims compromised via a pair of zero-day exploits in the Cleo file transfer software package.As cyber criminal watchers will know, the Clop gang is renowned for seeking out and exploiting file transfer services, having orchestrated the mass hack of users of Progress Softwares MOVEit service back in 2023 which had a similar effect at the time.However, said NCC, Clop has also been known to exaggerate its claims to garner more attention, so although there is no doubt it is a highly aggressive threat actor, the numbers may have been manipulated.Nevertheless, the gang significantly outpaced its nearest rivals, with RansomHub managing 87 attacks, Akira 77 and Play 43.Ransomware victim numbers hit record highs in February, surging 50% compared with January 2025, with Cl0p leading the charge, said NCC threat intelligence head Matt Hull. Unlike traditional ransomware operations, Cl0ps activity wasnt about encrypting systems it was about stealing data at scale.By exploiting unpatched vulnerabilities in widely used file transfer software, much like we saw with MoveIT and GoAnywhere, they were able to exfiltrate sensitive information and will now start to pressure victims into paying. This shift towards data theft and extortion is becoming the go-to strategy for ransomware groups, allowing them to target more organisations and maximise their leverage over victims, he added.Clops Cleo attacks were orchestrated through two common vulnerabilities and exposures (CVEs) tracked as CVE-2024-50623 and CVE-2024-55956.The first of these enables the upload of malicious files to a server than can then be executed to gain remote code execution (RCE). This issue arises through improper handling of file uploads in the Autorun directory that can be exploited by sending a crafted request to retrieve files or to upload malicious ones.The second enables RCE through Autorun, allowing unauthenticated users to import and execute arbitrary Bash or PowerShell commands on the host using the Autorun directorys default settings. The flaw also enables an attacker to deploy modular Java backdoors to steal data and move laterally.Patches are available for both, but according to NCC, many organisations using Cleo remain vulnerable thanks to delayed updates or insufficient mitigations.Notable in NCCs data this month was the extent to which ransomware attacks are affecting targets in the US with North America accounting for 65% of observed incidents compared with 18% in Europe and 7% in Asia.Last November, the NCC Threat pulse report reported similar statistics and attributed the high attack volumes to the chaotic geopolitical landscape.This trend seems only to be gathering pace since president Trump returned to the White House in January 2025, simultaneously ramping up pressure on Iran to curtail its nuclear ambitions and causing a significant breakdown in relations between the US and Ukraine, alongside a thaw in attitudes to the Russian regime.NCC said it saw significant opportunities for threat actors in both Iran and Russia to take advantage of rapidly changing American policy in Irans case, it suggested Tehran may well expand its state-backed cyber capabilities and seek closer links to China; while in Europe, the Russian-speaking cyber criminal ecosystem may perhaps ease their targeting of US victims if the thaw continues.But for now, Russian-speaking ransomware gangs continue to hammer US targets and, in the short-term, NCC said it saw significant concerns over the dramatic government cuts being implemented by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Billed by Trump in part as an attack on wasteful spending by Washington DC, these efforts, led by tech oligarch Elon Musk, have seen thousands of government workers fired already.NCC said that both financially and geopolitically motivated threat actors were likely looking to take advantage of the confusion and disruption which has likely led to significant deviation from normal cyber standards and processes in the federal government. Stress and uncertainty also increases the risk from disruptive attacks and leads to insider threats.Alarmingly, a 19-year-old DOGE employee given high-level access to sensitive government IT systems was also found to be a former member of a cyber criminal network known as The Com.NCC noted that the US House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform had called for the cessation of DOGE activities and warned of reckless disregard of critical cyber security practices.Read more about ransomwareThis key member of the Black Basta ransomware gang is wanted by the US justice system. He narrowly escaped extradition at the end of June 2024,with the help of highly-placed contacts in Moscow.Several factors, including the impact of law enforcement operations disrupting cyber criminal gangs and better preparedness among users, may be behind a significant drop inthe total value of ransomware payments.The criminal ransomware fraternity was hard at work over the festive period, with attack volumes rising and a new threat actoremerging on the scene.

This repair set by Jakemy has everything you need to effortlessly repair computers, smartphones, tablets, eyeglasses, and more.

I can't wait to try the Core 2 Duo and Core Time 2 to see how they compare to the original Pebble smartwatches.